President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, the new Vice Chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.
He also sacked the council, led by Greg Mbadiwe, five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Amioleran Osahon, and Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin (retd).
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.
“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.
“The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process”, the statement read.
Likewise, President Tinubu authorised the dismissal of Ohieku Salami from his position as Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Federal University of Health Sciences’ governing council in Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami’s unlawful acts, which included suspending the vice chancellor without completing the correct procedures, led to the decision of his sack.
“Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be revoked, Engr. Salami refused to comply. Instead, he resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.
“The Federal Government reiterated that the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of university activities in accordance with the act establishing each university.
“President Tinubu warned the councils not to create distractions in their universities as his government is focused on improving the country’s education standards.”
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